FOR LATE AUTUMN FLOWERING. 73 



but at the same time is preferable to a permanent shading of calico, tiffany 

 or scrim, for the first shower washes a large proportion of the whitening off 

 the glass, thereby admitting more light to the plants beneath. A little milk, 

 melted size or oil should be mixed with the whitening and water before being 

 applied to the glass, which will prevent it being too easily removed by rain 

 or wind. Putting the mixture on with a brush is the best method, when 

 the stuff should be mixed somewhat thicker than if it be spread with a 

 syringe. 



At all times when the sun is not actually shining strongly every ray of 

 clear and unobstructed light that reaches the plants is of importance, and 

 imparts strength and vigour ; so that if the shading can be entirely removed 

 as soon as the actual necessity for it has passed away, so much the better. 

 As soon as the cool autumn weather sets in, and the blooms are no longer 

 able to develop properly, discontinue shading, and ripen the tubers by 

 withholding water to a great extent, and by keeping the atmosphere dry. 

 Under this treatment cold will not affect the plants injuriously to nearly so 

 great an extent. At this season, whatever watering is required should be 

 done early in the morning (10 or 11 a.m.) on bright days only, so that the 

 sun may disperse all superfluous moisture before nightfall. "When the tops 

 <lie down, shake the tubers out of the soil, and store away in some place 

 where frost is excluded. 



To sum up, never coddle Begonias ; take as much care and pains with 

 them as you will, but all growth made must be made naturally robust and 

 strong. Light and air are the great requisites ; they cannot have too much 

 of either. Remember that shading is only of use to preserve the blooms, and 

 to prevent the foliage scorching under glass in hot sunshine. In the open 

 air Begonias revel in a tropical blaze of light and warmth, so shade as little 

 as possible ; and the more air the plants receive the dwarfer and stronger 

 will the growth be, and the greater the size and substance of the flowers. 

 Where the air is pure we should not hesitate in the least to turn a batch of 

 plants in pots, for autumn blooming, straight out of doors, once they were 

 fairly rooting out, standing them on ashes to keep worms at bay. Such 

 plants brought into a light house towards the end of August would bloom 

 grandly during September and October. 



